Fury has mental edge over Joshua — Lewis

File: Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis believes Tyson Fury holds the mental advantage over Anthony Joshua ahead of their long-awaited all-British showdown on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The rivalry between Fury and Joshua dates back almost a decade, with years of verbal exchanges, contractual disagreements and failed attempts to arrange a fight preceding their eagerly anticipated meeting.

Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, described the contest as a significant moment for British boxing and its fans.

“I think it’s very important for British history and for the British fans as well,” Lewis told Sky Sports.

“This is a unique fight. It’s a great fight and it’s a fight that everybody’s been waiting for.”

However, the former champion stopped short of predicting a winner, insisting the contrasting styles of the two heavyweights could produce an unpredictable contest.

“Styles make fights,” Lewis said. “And I think this fight is going to make for a good fight because both of them have two different styles.

“I think the fight may go the distance but both of them have knockout power. Anything can happen.

“I think that Tyson’s winning on the mental, and on the physical I think it’s Anthony Joshua.”

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Lewis is well placed to appreciate the significance of a major heavyweight showdown on British soil, having faced Frank Bruno in 1993 in the first all-British heavyweight world title fight.

Bruno made a competitive start but was stopped in the seventh round after Lewis landed a powerful left hook before following up with a barrage of unanswered punches, forcing the referee to halt the contest.

More than three decades later, Cardiff is preparing to host another high-profile meeting between two British heavyweights seeking to settle a rivalry that has endured for years.

Arranging the Fury-Joshua fight has proved difficult, with disagreements over the venue among the obstacles. Joshua’s camp reportedly insisted the bout take place in the UK, while Wembley Stadium was effectively ruled out because of US broadcasting requirements. New York’s Madison Square Garden was also considered before Cardiff was selected.

The Principality Stadium is familiar territory for Joshua, who defeated Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker at the venue. Its retractable roof also means weather conditions are unlikely to disrupt the event.

After years of anticipation, Lewis believes the focus must now shift from negotiations to preparations for the ring.

“This fight is finally here and both guys want the fight, and both guys are ready for the fight,” he said.